Lakwatserong Tsinelas: LUZON

Situated at the Central Business District of Makati City, the art-deco Herald Suites Polaris Makati stands. I honestly don’t know how to describe an art-deco architecture, more so distinguish the same from other types of architecture. But this hotel claims it to be one and is indeed validated by some experts in the field.

An exquisite craftsmanship put into modern details is how I describe the architectural façade and interiors of Herald Suites in Makati.

We are frequents of the Poblacion District of Makati and the restaurants that surround. Herald Suites Polaris takes as an advantage its prime location. Centrally situated at the Makati Business District and tagged to be a heritage district as well, being the location where first settlement in Makati was, the Herald Suites Polaris stands as a mansion on a quiet neighborhood.

STANDARD SINGLE ROOM

Checking-in was swift and I was assigned to a Standard Single Room. The room comes with a card lock system, refrigerator with mini-bar, cable TV, NDD/IDD Telephones, WIFI internet access, coffee/tea making facilities, room service and safety deposit boxes.

The standard room is spacious, with an assigned work space that I was able to finish some reports for work even on a weekend. It was raining for two days. And we were fortunate that the hotel has provided all the basic needs without having to go out at the neighborhood. It was a total comfort and relaxation, despite the fact that the vicinity is surrounded by bars and night clubs. The silence that we need was attained.

AURORA LOBBY CAFÉ AND THE INTERIORS

The distinct geometric multi-colored patterns of cement tiles adorn the floorings of the hotel and easily noticeable as soon as we entered. These are the machuca tiles, known to be the oldest tile manufacturing business in the Philippines and usually used on colonial houses that dates back centuries ago.

The hotel could actually pass as a museum hotel (in my opinion). It has the resemblance of the Hotel Luna of Vigan City but in a more intricate and modern design without any wall decors. Paintings and wall decors though are not that significant as the ambiance and styling are more than sufficient to convey its elegance and luxury to guests.

After being mesmerized by the interior design and the atrium of the hotel, like any other guests, our main concern is the location of the dining area. We were lead to the Aurora Lobby Café, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, situated at the ground floor of the hotel.

Complimentary breakfast and our welcome dinner and cocktails were served at the café. The Aurora Lobby Café is open from 6AM to 12 midnight featuring continental and Filipino dishes. We were glad to have sampled a few and all are indeed delectable.

In an attempt to visit the bars and restaurants that surround the area during the night, we were taken a back due to heavy downpour. Fortunately, the cafe's happy hour served us for an instant drinking session. It was a good decision though to stay at the Aurora Lobby Café for a more relaxed and enjoyable drinking spree.

Herald Suites Polaris is indeed about comfort and a relaxing ambiance. I truly recommend a stay at the said hotel even just for a weekend to spend quality time with friends and family and weekdays for business meetings at their lounges and café.

HERALD SUITES POLARIS

Book Online for discounted rates

45 Polaris Street Bel-Air, Makati City

Telephone No.: (02) 816-7994

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TAZA FRESH TABLE – TAAL VISTA HOTEL TAGAYTAY CITY

Tagaytay City is known for restaurants offering a panoramic view of the Taal Lake and the volcano. This is their prime advantage and selling point. But more than the picturesque views and the breathe of fresh air while dining, the fresh and finely selected cuisine is unforgettable at Taza Fresh Table.

Taza Fresh Table is one of the in-house restaurants of Taal Vista Hotel at Tagaytay City. In my case, the place became an instant cure for a hangover – from the ambiance, service and the food itself.

Taza Fresh Table is driven by the passionate commitment to source local and cook global, ensuring consistent high quality cuisine showcasing organic, single-origin and sustainable ingredients on every plate. The word Taza is derived from the Arabic word Taaza which means fresh.

We were fortunate to have occupied the restaurant a bit early for lunch and late for breakfast. There were no other guests except our group. The restaurant has the perfect vantage for a view of the Taal Lake and volcano.

And the main highlights of the gastronomic experience at Taza of Taal Vista Hotel are the food served itself, as if on a banquet. Too early I should say for a feast, but every offering is truly delectable and not to mention the unique ingredients and presentation.

TAZA SALAD (PhP390.00)

Quinoa, cherry tomatoes, wild arugula, farm-fresh romaine, microgreens,

Cebu dried mangoes, radish, beets, a la minute tarragon-white wine vinaigrette

FRENCH TOAST (PhP310.00)
Served with homemade bacon, candied walnuts and caramelized banana

HOMEMADE BACON (PhP350.00)
10-day cured and 6-hour smoked, apple mango compote

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN (PhP395.00)
Served with waffles and maple syrup

EGGS BENEDICT HAM (PhP450.00)
Fresh market greens, home fries and Hollandaise

STEAK AND EGGS (PhP995.00)
Ribeye wagyu, fresh market greens and home fries

WAGYU BURGER (PhP650.00)
Ground Bukidnon wagyu, Tagaytay romaine lettuce,
mozzarella cheese, potato wedges, coleslaw

TOMAHAWK PORK CHOP (PhP800.00)
Caramelized onions and bananas, pok jus

These are just few of the outstanding offers of the restaurant. It may be quite pricey but I assure you it's all worth it.

Operating Hours:

Monday to Thursday	11:30AM to 3:00PM and 6:00PM to 10:00PM
Friday	7:00AM to 3:00PM and 6:00PM to 10:00PM
Saturday	7:00AM to 10:00PM
Sunday	7:00AM to 6:00PM

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LEGEND VILLAS: THE LUXURIOUS 100% FILIPINO HOTEL

In the bustling metropolis of Metro Manila and a short distance from the major thoroughfare, EDSA, there stood one hotel that has been a witness to the infrastructure development that surrounds yet maintained its original ambiance and world-class service in the hospitality industry.

Villas in the metro is truly a unique concept. The Legend Villas in Mandaluyong City is a 100% Filipino-owned hotel and in my perception, usually villas equate to Bali or some island destinations. But the villas at the legend hotel does not only make you feel as one in vacation but within the comforts of your own home.

In a gently curved staircase of polished barandillas, fine wood interiors and Venetian glass-framed mirrors, the hotel lobby and reception area of the hotel is a good introduction of what to expect for this hotel. Truly, elegant and world-class.

Checking-in was a breeze as receptionists are attentive and efficient not to mention the smiling faces they impart. I was able to check-in twice at the said hotel for the same room type – the Deluxe room.

DELUXE ROOM

The spacious air-conditioned Deluxe room is ideal for businessmen, couples and small families. The wooden floors and the minimal interiors is truly relaxing that it even reminds me of ancestral houses back in the province.

The touch of western interior design, that is usual for luxury hotels is not that apparent and indeed, the hotel lives up to promote its being a 100% Filipino brand.

The room comes with two (2) double beds, bedside control panel, telephone, cable TV and ensuite toilet and bath.

Click to check other room types and rates.

LOLA MARIA RESTAURANT

The in-house restaurant of Legend Villas has one of the best buffet offerings in the metro. The restaurant provides a line-up of festive, home-style dishes from the different regions of the Philippines. It also serves a-la-carte dining.

The wooden furnishings and interior design provides a homey vibe that it truly is a kitchen within the comforts of a hotel. Like its namesake, the restaurant is like your own grandmother's kitchen.

AMENITIES AND SERVICES

To complete the hassle-free staycation at the metro, Legend Villas provides an array of services for guest’ convenience and a number of amenities for relaxation.

Apart from the spacious parking area which is complimentary for guests and is an advantage for the hotel especially that parking is difficult within this busy side of the metro, amenities include: swimming pool (open from 8am to 9pm), outdoor Jacuzzi, fitness gym with basic cardio equipment, 24/7 business center, 248 square meters pillarless Banahaw ballroom, 142 square meter Raja Ballroom (divided into 3 function rooms) and seven smaller meeting and function rooms, ranging from 30 sq.m. to 135 sq.m.

Services offered by Legend Villas include: airport transfer and shuttle service (with fee), 24/7 front desk, free high-speed wi-fi internet access, room service, valet, laundry service, in-room massage, meetings and events services, safety deposit box, 24/7 security and daily housekeeping. All these and the Filipino hospitality makes the hotel a standout accommodation choice for foreign guests.

Legend Villas
Click to book for discounted rates
60 Pioneer corner Madison streets
Mandaluyong City 1550
Phone: +632 702 2700 to 04
centralreservations@legendhotels.com.ph

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